(From Canon literature) Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, has introduced a revolutionary camera that redefines the highly competitive mid-range DSLR product category: the Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera. Professional photographers and advanced amateurs have been demanding higher performance and more diverse functions in their cameras, and Canon has answered – with the new EOS 7D. Far more than a slight improvement from a previous model, the EOS 7D DSLR is a brand new product that stands on its own with new features never before seen in any Canon camera. Whether it’s shooting at eight frames per second (fps), focusing with the new Zone AF mode or recording 24p Full HD video, the EOS 7D DSLR camera satisfies the most rigorous professional requirements with durability, flexibility, high-resolution images and customizable controls. With its unprecedented out-of-the-box performance and high-end feature set, the EOS 7D is poised as the ultimate step-up camera for serious photographers or a second camera for professionals in the field.

The EOS 7D boasts significant EOS advancements including a completely new 19-point Autofocus system, a new Canon iFCL Metering System (Intelligent Focus, Color, Luminance) and a new Intelligent Viewfinder. An 18-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors fuel the EOS 7D’s 14-bit A/D data conversion and its ability to freeze fast motion in high-resolution with eight fps continuous shooting up to 126 Large JPEGS using a UDMA CF card, positioning this camera for the studio as well as the sideline. The EOS 7D captures beautiful low-light images with or without a flash, at occasions such as a dance recital or wedding reception, thanks to a wide range of ISO speed settings from 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800). In addition to its new still capture capabilities, the EOS 7D features Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution with selectable frame rates of 24p, 25p or 30p. Native 24p recording helps videographers achieve a more cinema-style look for their footage without the need for post-processing.

“The EOS 7D represents a completely new chapter in digital photography and Canon product development. This camera stands alone as the most functional and innovative DSLR Canon has released to-date, bringing together all of the best professional features offered, along with numerous user requests at a price-point everyone can appreciate,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

The Evolution of Vision, the EOS 7D’s New Autofocus System
The Canon EOS 7D boasts the most advanced AF system ever seen in an EOS SLR. The completely re-designed system includes a new multi-axis cross-type 19-point AF grid, where the focusing points are evenly spread out across the image plane and clearly displayed through Canon’s new Intelligent Viewfinder. All 19 points are f/5.6-sensitive for both horizontal and vertical cross-type focusing, while the center AF point adds high-precision diagonal cross-type sensitivity for f/2.8 and larger aperture lenses. The Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera is the first EOS SLR to feature 19 cross-type focusing points that remain fully functional with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6, which brings the performance of the AF system to unprecedented levels for assignments as varied as fast-moving sports action or low-light wedding ceremonies.

The Canon EOS 7D’s AF system allows numerous AF area selection modes never seen before in an EOS SLR camera. New modes include:

Spot AF mode reduces the size of a single AF point to focus on small subjects like an animal in a cage.

AF Point Expansion mode uses a cluster of AF points adjacent to the selected AF point to automatically assist focusing on moving subjects, such as an athlete on the run.

Zone AF divides the 19 AF points into five selectable focusing zones and makes it easier to achieve focus with subjects that are difficult to track with Single Point AF or AF point expansion, such as birds in flight.

Additional AF improvements include a revised Automatic AF point selection sequence that allows a user to pick any one of the 19 AF points as a starting point for tracking moving subjects in AI Servo mode. (Previous EOS models required the subject to first be acquired by the center focusing point.) If the subject moves away, the camera will continue to track the movement with the remaining points and display the active focusing point in the viewfinder. Also, a time-saving feature is AF Point Switching, which allows photographers to select and register one AF point for horizontal compositions and a second AF point for vertical shooting, ideal for studio and portrait photographers.

To complement the new AF system, the exposure metering system for the EOS 7D has been completely re-designed to take color information into account, another first for an EOS system. Canon’s iFCL metering includes a 63-zone dual-layer metering sensor that reads both illumination and color for consistent results in all lighting conditions, keeping exposure levels stable from shot to shot, even as the light source changes.

Canon’s new Intelligent Viewfinder uses a liquid crystal overlay to provide clear and precise displays of focusing points and zones, on-demand grid lines and a spot metering circle. The LCD overlay can also be illuminated in extreme low-light situations or turned off completely. The EOS 7D camera’s viewfinder includes a large all-glass pentaprism with an antireflective coating to maximize clarity and provide a brighter display. The EOS 7D’s Intelligent Viewfinder features 1.0x magnification with 100 percent coverage for accurate composition and checking of detail.

EOS HD Movie: Empowering the World of Videography
Canon has blazed new trails in HD video capture with the 5D Mark II. Now, the EOS 7D takes DSLR video to new heights with Full HD capture featuring fully manual exposure control, and selectable cinematic frame rates for both NTSC (National Television System Committee) and PAL (Phase Altering Line) standards. Compatible with more than 60 Canon EF and EF-S lenses, the EOS 7D lets videographers take full advantage of the camera’s large CMOS sensor to achieve the dramatic frame composition they desire. At the heart of the EOS 7D are two key proprietary Canon technologies, Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors and a large APS-C–sized CMOS sensor, helping to render stunning color reproduction, amazing depth of field and fine detail, even in low-light conditions. The Canon EOS 7D allows for three video recording modes – Full HD and HD in a 16:9 aspect ratio and Standard Definition (SD) in a 4:3 aspect ratio, all at selectable frame rates. The EOS 7D Digital SLR camera will record Full HD at 1920 x 1080 pixels in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); 720p HD recording at 50p or 60p (59.94) and SD video at frame rates of 50p or 60p (59.94). The EOS 7D features a new dedicated button to initiate live view for both video and still shooting. Once engaged, the same dedicated button will start and stop video recording. Like the EOS 5D Mark II, the Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera provides users with the capability to use an external stereo microphone for professional audio effects or a built-in monaural microphone for convenience.

The Features You Asked For
A helpful new tool for architectural and landscape photography where angles and perspective are critical is Canon’s new built-in Dual Axis Electronic Level, featuring an artificial horizon over the image on the rear LCD screen in Live View or in the viewfinder using illuminated AF points for easy leveling while shooting. The dual axis electronic level shows both horizontal roll and vertical pitch, making it easy to identify when the camera is in a fixed level shooting position and ready to take the shot.

The EOS 7D’s pop-up flash features a built-in Integrated Speedlite Transmitter for control of multiple off-camera EOS Speedlites without the need for an external transmitter. This built-in wireless option is a compact and economical solution for studio and wedding photography with multiple flash set-ups.

A new Intelligent Macro Tracking function helps reduce blur during macro shooting by recognizing when a macro lens is attached and automatically adjusting the AI Servo sampling frequency. This AI Servo adjustment accounts for camera movement forward and back, a typical occurrence when moving in close for a macro shot as photographers rock back and forth, or a flower blows in the wind.

Once in your hands, you can immediately feel the ergonomic improvements of the Canon EOS 7D camera, starting with a new super-fluid body design with continuous curves outlining the top of the camera and a revised grip that fits better in a user’s hand. The camera has a new Quick Control Button, which opens an easy-to-navigate menu on the camera’s LCD screen. From this menu, users can adjust all camera settings including AF modes as well as set custom button functions, an insightful new feature that can easily customize each button’s function to the photographer’s preference. Another new feature is the RAW/JPEG toggle button providing quick dual-format shooting, allowing photographers to quickly add large JPEG or RAW file formats to their already selected shooting mode at the touch of a button.

The Canon EOS 7D camera also features a new large, clear 3.0-inch solid structure Clear View II LCD screen with 920,000 dot/VGA resolution for enhanced clarity and color when viewing images. The camera’s nine internal seals enhance weather resistance, and its 150,000-cycle shutter durability positions the EOS 7D as a “workhorse” for professionals in any photography discipline.

New Wireless Connectivity
Canon is announcing the availability of the new WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter (WFT) exclusively for the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera. The WFT-E5A wireless transmitter offers professional photographers a wide range of digital connectivity options including IEEE802.11a/b/g and Ethernet, ideal for commercial and studio work. The WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter opens the door to new possibilities in remote and Geotagged shooting applications. Photographers can fire up to 10 cameras simultaneously from across the room or across the country while maintaining control over camera settings and remote live view on a laptop or smart phone.[i] The WFT-E5A wireless transmitter can also transfer and display images on DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatible televisions and photo frames. Geotagging is now possible via Bluetooth, using compatible GPS devices to append coordinate data to the images.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers at the end of September, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $1,699.00[ii]. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $1,899.00[iii]. The Canon WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter is scheduled to be available in early November and sell at an estimated retail price of $699.99[iv].

†Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice.

The WFT-E5A WFT unit supports various LAN functions, including wireless LAN “11a” in environments where IEEE802.11b/g cannot be used, high-speed communication Ethernet (100BASE-TX), and Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). The WFT-E5A will also support the WFT server, which enables remote shooting while viewing the Live View image on a computer or handheld terminal, such as a smart phone.

Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.

It was a great dslr body for crops category . I love it till single moment , and never look back now .

Before i used 500d , but after i use this superb dslr body , i can see bigger size angle inside view finder , after i shot several object , it has more good result in term of image quality , it has a solid and ergonomic body , this was my reason to move from rebel series , the body fits my hand . When i do the focusing object , the 7d af system give me a faster result and better compare with my 500d . The AF points live spread in every point and very sensitif .

I used to do travel photography , with my current EF-S 17-55mm lens , it always give me the good and nice picture ;-)

lensreporter

Registered: May 2010Posts: 12

Canon EOS 7D review by lensreporter

Review Date: 5/26/2010

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $1,300.00| Rating: 8

Pros:

sharp

Cons:

too much MP

Its a good camera, no doubt! But its not so fantastic bombastic like the reviewer said before. 18MP are a lot for the crop-sensor and you will regognize this from IS0 400 and more. I own as well the 20D and 5D, nothing to compare with high ISO-rendition. Coulor rendition is nice and you will see in combination with an excellent lens a lot of details, but sorry, my old 5D has much better picture-quality, as well my very old 20 D has some advantages....

Creyr Glas Lightworks

Registered: July 2009Posts: 10

Canon EOS 7D review by Creyr Glas Lightworks

Review Date: 5/20/2010

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $1,600.00| Rating: 10

Pros:

Focus is superb, build quality, colors and tones are a dream, remote flash control

Cons:

none

So far, I could not be more pleased. This truly is a major step up from my Canon 40D. The extra money has been worth it. The colors and tonal range are so much better, I need so much less work in post. I don't lose as many shots through the autofocus, and macro photography has never looked better. The ability to remote to the speedlites without extra hardware has been a huge creative boost both in and out of studio. I haven't really used the HD Video, but this things can flat out rapid fire shots up to the 9 fps for dozens of shots. I have shot with this body at ISO 3200 for nightclub bands and people's jaws hit the floor when they see the color and clarity combined with L glass under such dim light conditions. I think Canon absolutely nailed this system. Its just a really, really nice camera in every way you need in this price range.

***EDIT***
I have used this camera more and more, and I have really dug in to maximizing its features. My photography accross the board has moved forward in leaps and bounds because of this camera. I promise you that if you are a Canon shooter, this will be an amazing leap forward over the other crop sensor bodies out there.

starsfan

Registered: December 2009Posts: 1

Canon EOS 7D review by starsfan

Review Date: 12/28/2009

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $1,699.00| Rating: 10

This is a terrific camera and clearly the best Canon APS-C camera out there. Image quality is great (not quite 5D Mark II, but it is not $2700 either) and this camera is loaded with necessary and helpful features.

The viewfinder is terrific with many options (i.e. grid view, level, rule of thirds view, etc.) The buttons are easily customized through the well formatted menu as well.

Image quality is outstanding and the layout of the camera is very comfortable. The body is rock solid and feels great in large hands... which I have. :-)

Autofocus is pretty quick and again easily customized. It is very easy to change focal points on the fly.

I have enjoyed the wireless flash control as well as the ability to fire remotely with the RC-1 controller. Both of these features have been left off of the XXD lines. I used the remote on the Rebel XTi when I shot that. It is nice to have that back.

It is a little noisy at higher ISO with 18 megapixels in a APS-C sensor, but I do stress "little" and we are talking 3200 or higher. Put those 18 megapixels on a full-frame sensor and this camera would more than likely pass the 5D Mark II in all categories (IMHO). Not complaining, just saying. I still love this camera.

Overall a terrific camera... Oh yeah, the HD video works really well also. I don't shot video that much, but it is easy to use, looks great and uploads very easily to my Mac. More easily than my Canon Vixia HF20 camcorder.